Thomas James “Tom” Ladwig, 72, of Sioux City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Holy Cross Parish – St. Michael Catholic Church. Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Tom was born on May 25, 1954, in Sac City, Iowa, to Vaylord and Margie Ladwig. He graduated from Urbana High School in Urbana, Illinois, in 1973 before earning an Associate Degree in Criminalistics and Law Enforcement from Area XI in Ankeny, Iowa, in 1978. That same year, he graduated from the Des Moines Police Academy.

Tom began his law enforcement career with the West Des Moines Police Department, serving from 1978 to 1985. In 1987, he joined the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 2012. Throughout his career, Tom worked in many divisions, but some of his most rewarding assignments included working alongside his K-9 partner, Casey, and serving with the D.A.R.E. program, where he made a lasting impact on countless young people.

While employed with the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office and continuing after retirement, Tom also worked with I.A.T.S.E. as a stagehand, helping set up venues for concerts and events.

Tom found great joy in the outdoors. He loved golfing, hunting, fishing, and boating. One of his greatest traditions was spending more than 30 years fishing in northern Canada with his brother, John. He was a devoted member of St. Michael Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Tom and his wife, Diane, along with their beloved puppy, Bailey, cherished spending weekends together at the lakes in Okoboji, creating many treasured memories with family and friends.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory include his beloved wife of 30½ years, Diane; stepdaughter, Michelle Ritz and her husband, Chad; grandchildren, Easton Ritz and Addison Ritz; brother-in-law, Dave Neu; and sister, Nancy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vaylord and Margie Ladwig; his sister, Janet; and his brother, John.